How is it possible for a city that got its name by “keeping it weird,” that celebrates craft beer, and hosts an above average percentage of plant-based denizens hasn’t yet found a way to combine these factors into one harmonious outpost? At least, it hadn’t, up until now. Sunny’s Backyard is the first 100% vegan bar, or pub, as they call themselves, to hit Austin. Still open softly, the interior of the building is still closed, but they’re slinging food fast and furious from the trailer parked out front.
While it’s not exactly a drinking destination yet, until they get their liquor license, the beer is FREE! That said, the food itself is reason enough to trek out to the east side. We’re talking about wonton cheese sticks served with sriracha aioli, giant soft pretzels, and crispy fried banana peppers, just to get you started.
While you’re loading up on all the comfort food your stomach can handle, don’t be misled by the healthy-sounding Brussels sprout salad. They’re actually fried to crispy, cravable perfection, drenched in a sweet and sour ponzu sauce, drizzled with spicy, creamy aioli, and finish with pickled vegetables. It’s brilliantly balanced, and also an impressive pile of food. You definitely get your money’s worth here.
If you can only order one thing, though, make it the street dog. It’s not just a meatless frank; it’s dipped in beer batter, covered in French fries, and slathered in more of that godly creamy sauce. Highly Instagrammable, yes, but also a culinary feat well worth the calories.
Even without all systems go, I’m already smitten with this new watering hole. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine it getting even better, but you can bet I’ll come back to see it happen.
Is that you?! You’re adorable! And two different men with whom to dine. You got it gal. The food looks fabulous. It doesn’t make sense to me, but I remember the “old” Austin.
Aw, I wish I was so cute! That’s a friend of mine who was game to pose with this crazy creation. I’m so lucky to have them all in my life. It’s still tough to make friends in the midst of a pandemic, and I only just moved here a few months ago. I’ve been visiting on and off for a number of years, but I can only imagine what it was really like, way back when.
That meatless dog looks really kicked up! Huge! So happy to see businesses thinking outside the box to stay open.
It really does give me hope for the future of restaurants! I believe they had intended to open a year ago, right when lock downs began, so it’s truly inspiring that they’ve clung to that dream and still made it happen, just a bit later than originally planned.
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Wow, looks and sounds amazing! And free beer! What’s not to like? :-)
janet
Oh wow, I wish we had such a place here – the food looks and sounds amazing!
Ohhh I love those cheese sticks, we do have them in Philippines too, sold popularly as a street snack with a dip made with mayo and catsup.
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